Eastern Connecticut Congressman Joe Courtney, citing new data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), said in a recent press release from Washington, that eastern Connecticut seniors saved $3.388 million on prescription drugs from January through October of this year. These savings were as a result of new improvements in the federal Affordable Care Act. These improvements meant that Medicare beneficiaries now automatically receive a 50-percent discount on covered brand-name drugs in the Part D coverage gap, or “donut hole.” “The amount of this discount will continue to grow until the Part D donut hole is completely phased out in 2020,” the Courtney said.

“This newest data confirms that the Affordable Care Act is making a significant positive difference in people’s lives across our country,” he continued. “Not only are seniors taking advantage of no-cost wellness screenings, but they are getting critical assistance in paying for life-saving prescription drugs. Fewer young people are uninsured today thanks to the Affordable Care Act, and, as more people take advantage of preventive care services and the annual wellness benefit, medical problems will be discovered and treated earlier, improving the chance of recovery and reducing overall treatment costs.”

According to the Congressman, CMS data shows that approximately 5,560 eastern Connecticut beneficiaries received prescription drug assistance between January 1st and October 31st this year. According to their statistics, the three towns with the most beneficiaries that received Part D assistance are Enfield (405 beneficiaries), Vernon Rockville (279 beneficiaries), and Madison (219 beneficiaries). “These numbers, as well those in other Eastern Connecticut towns will continue to increase as the calendar year ends and two additional months of assistance reach other seniors as they hit their deductible,” the Congressman said.